U.S. patent application number 11/599309 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-15 for systems and methods of conducting a game of chance.
This patent application is currently assigned to CryptoLogic Inc.. Invention is credited to Vladimir Dunaevsky, Justin L. Thouin.
Application Number | 20080113743 11/599309 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39369845 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080113743 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dunaevsky; Vladimir ; et
al. |
May 15, 2008 |
Systems and methods of conducting a game of chance
Abstract
Systems and methods of conducting a video game of chance are
disclosed. The method includes: a) receiving a wager; b) populating
a number of cell images with a game symbol; c) determining whether
any portion of the cells define a winning combination; and d) in
the event the winning combination occurs: i) providing a
predetermined award for the winning combination; ii) deleting the
symbol located in each winning cell image; iii) repopulating each
winning cell with a replacement symbol; and e) repeating steps (c)
and (d) until no winning combinations are defined by the symbols
appearing in the cell images.
Inventors: |
Dunaevsky; Vladimir;
(Toronto, CA) ; Thouin; Justin L.; (Toronto,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BERESKIN AND PARR
40 KING STREET WEST, BOX 401
TORONTO
ON
M5H 3Y2
omitted
|
Assignee: |
CryptoLogic Inc.
Toronto
CA
|
Family ID: |
39369845 |
Appl. No.: |
11/599309 |
Filed: |
November 15, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 ; 463/25;
463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 ; 463/25;
463/42 |
International
Class: |
A63F 13/00 20060101
A63F013/00 |
Claims
1. A method of conducting a video game of chance comprising: a)
receiving a wager; b) populating a plurality of cells with a
plurality of symbols; c) determining whether any portion of the
plurality of cells define a winning combination; and d) if the
winning combination occurs: i) providing a predetermined award for
the winning combination; ii) deleting the symbol located in each
winning cell; iii) repopulating each winning cell with a
replacement symbol; and e) repeating steps (c) and (d) until no
winning combinations are defined by the plurality of symbols
appearing in the plurality of cells.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of cells are
arranged in a matrix, the matrix comprising a plurality of
columns.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the plurality of cells are
arranged in a N.times.M matrix, wherein N is the number of rows in
the matrix and M is the number of columns in the matrix, wherein N
is an integer having a value of at least 1 and M is an integer
having a value of at least 3.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein N is at least 3.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the matrix comprises at least one
blocked cell.
6. The method of claim 2, wherein the winning combination comprises
at least three adjacent cells populated by an identical symbol.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the adjacent cells are aligned
row-wise or column-wise.
8. The method of claim 2, wherein, if at least one non-winning cell
is located above at least one winning cell and the winning cell and
the non-winning cell are in the same column, the repopulating step
further comprises: i) the symbols in each non-winning cell located
above the winning cells drop down in sequence to populate any
winning cells below; and ii) generating a new symbol in each empty
cell vacated by step (i).
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising marking each winning
cell of each winning combination.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein, if each cell of the plurality
of cells is marked, play proceeds to a subsequent level, wherein
the subsequent level comprises at least one of: (i) increasing the
predetermined award for the winning combination; and (ii)
increasing the number of cells.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein step (ii) further comprises
adding at least one additional column to the matrix.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein step (ii) further comprises
adding at least one additional row to the matrix.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein a level completion award is
provided upon completion of a level.
14. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a request
to play an additional game round, wherein the additional game round
comprises repeating steps (a) to (e).
15. The method of claim 14, wherein any cells marked in a previous
game round remain marked in any additional game rounds within a
particular level.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising marking each
unmarked winning cell of each winning combination of the additional
game round.
17. A method of playing a video game of chance comprising: a)
communicating a wager; b) displaying a plurality of cells populated
with a plurality of symbols; c) if any portion of the plurality of
cells define a winning combination: i) displaying a predetermined
award for the winning combination; ii) deleting the symbol located
in each winning cell; iii) displaying the plurality of cells,
wherein each winning cell is populated with a replacement symbol;
and d) repeating step (c) until no winning combinations are defined
by the plurality of symbols appearing in the plurality of
cells.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the plurality of cells are
arranged in a matrix, the matrix comprising a plurality of
columns.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the plurality of cells are
arranged in a N.times.M matrix, wherein N is the number of rows in
the matrix and M is the number of columns in the matrix, wherein N
is an integer having a value of at least 1 and M is an integer
having a value of at least 3.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein N is at least 3.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the matrix comprises at least
one blocked cell.
22. The method of claim 18, wherein the winning combination
comprises at least three adjacent cells populated by an identical
symbol.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the adjacent cells are aligned
row-wise or column-wise.
24. The method of claim 18, wherein, if at least one non-winning
cell is located above at least one winning cell and the winning
cell and the non-winning cell are in the same column, the
repopulating step further comprises: a) the symbols in each
non-winning cell located above the winning cells drop down in
sequence to populate any winning cells below; and b) generating a
new symbol in each empty non-winning cell vacated by step (a).
25. The method of claim 24, further comprising marking each winning
cell of each winning combination.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein, if each cell of the plurality
of cells is marked, play proceeds to a subsequent level, wherein
the subsequent level comprises at least one of: (i) increasing the
predetermined award for the winning combination; and (ii)
increasing the number of cells.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein step (ii) further comprises
adding at least one additional column to the matrix.
28. The method of claim 26, wherein step (ii) further comprises
adding at least one additional row to the matrix.
29. The method of claim 26, wherein a level completion award is
provided upon completion of a level.
30. The method of claim 17, further comprising receiving a request
to play an additional game round, wherein the additional game round
comprises repeating steps (a) to (d).
31. The method of claim 30, wherein any cells marked in a previous
game round remain marked in any additional game rounds within a
particular level.
32. The method of claim 31, further comprising marking each
unmarked winning cell of each winning combination of the additional
game round.
33. A system for conducting a video game of chance, the system
comprising: a) a server; and b) a client device adapted for
communication with the server, the client device comprising a
display; wherein the client device is adapted to receive a wager
and communicate the wager to the server; wherein the display is
adapted to display a plurality of cells populated by a plurality of
symbols; wherein the server is adapted to determine whether any
portion of the plurality of cells define a winning combination; and
wherein, in the event the winning combination occurs, each symbol
located in each cell of the winning combination is deleted and each
cell in the winning combination is repopulated with a replacement
symbol.
34. A computer-readable medium upon which a plurality of executable
instructions for a method of conducting a video game of chance are
stored, the method comprising: a) receiving a wager; b) populating
a plurality of cells with a plurality of symbols; c) determining
whether any portion of the plurality of cells define a winning
combination; and d) in the event the winning combination occurs: i)
providing a predetermined award for the winning combination; ii)
deleting the symbol located in each winning cell; iii) repopulating
each winning cell with a replacement symbol; and e) repeating steps
(c) and (d) until no winning combinations are defined by the
plurality of symbols appearing in the plurality of cells.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to games of chance. In
particular, the invention relates to a game of chance implemented
as a video game.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Playing video games is a very popular and well known
entertainment activity. There is a large variety of video games
available to consumers. One category of video games is the games of
chance category. Some examples of video games of chance include
video poker and video slot games.
[0003] Slot machine games were originally designed for mechanical
machines that used a number of physical rotating reels actuated by
a user inserting a coin or token and pulling down on a lever.
[0004] The advent of video slot games permitted game designers to
be more creative by eliminating the limitations associated with
physical reels and mechanical machines. The designers were no
longer limited to physical reels having a fixed number of symbols
per reel. Video slot games permitted game designers to easily
create any number of virtual reels with any number of symbols on
each reel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention relates generally to a video game of
chance (also referred to simply as a "game") which is loosely
related to video slot machine games.
[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, a method of
conducting a video game of chance is provided. The method
comprises:
[0007] a) receiving a wager;
[0008] b) populating a plurality of cells on a display with a
plurality of symbols;
[0009] c) determining whether any portion of the plurality of cells
define a winning combination; and
[0010] d) in the event the winning combination occurs: [0011] i)
providing a predetermined award for the winning combination; [0012]
ii) deleting the symbol located in each winning cell; [0013] iii)
repopulating each winning cell with a replacement symbol; and
[0014] e) repeating steps (c) and (d) until no winning combinations
are defined by the plurality of symbols appearing in the plurality
of cells.
[0015] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method of
playing a video game of chance is provided. The method
comprises:
[0016] a) communicating a wager;
[0017] b) displaying a plurality of cells populated with a
plurality of symbols;
[0018] c) if any portion of the plurality of cells define a winning
combination: [0019] i) displaying a predetermined award for the
winning combination; [0020] ii) deleting the symbol located in each
winning cell; [0021] iii) displaying the plurality of cells,
wherein each winning cell is populated with a replacement symbol;
and
[0022] d) repeating step (c) until no winning combinations are
defined by the plurality of symbols appearing in the plurality of
cells.
[0023] According to a third aspect of the invention, a system for
conducting a video game of chance is provided. The system comprises
a server and a client device having a display. The client device is
adapted for communication with the server. The client device is
adapted to receive a wager and communicate the wager to the server.
The display is adapted to display a plurality of cells populated by
a plurality of symbols. The server is adapted to determine whether
any portion of the plurality of cells define a winning combination.
In the event the winning combination occurs, each symbol located in
each cell of the winning combination is deleted and each cell in
the winning combination is repopulated with a replacement
symbol.
[0024] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a
computer-readable medium is provided upon which a plurality of
executable instructions for a method of conducting a video game of
chance are stored. The method comprises:
[0025] a) receiving a wager;
[0026] b) populating a plurality of cells on a display with a
plurality of symbols;
[0027] c) determining whether any portion of the plurality of cells
define a winning combination; and
[0028] d) in the event the winning combination occurs: [0029] i)
providing a predetermined award for the winning combination; [0030]
ii) deleting the symbol located in each winning cell; [0031] iii)
repopulating each winning cell with a replacement symbol; and
[0032] e) repeating steps (c) and (d) until no winning combinations
are defined by the plurality of symbols appearing in the plurality
of cells.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] In the accompanying drawings:
[0034] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for conducting a game
of chance according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a standalone gaming machine
for conducting a game of chance according to another embodiment of
the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 3 is an illustration of the five levels of the game
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 4 is an illustration of the symbols displayed by the
game according to the preferred embodiment;
[0038] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of a method of
conducting a game of chance according to the preferred embodiment
of the invention; and
[0039] FIGS. 6A-E are illustrations of an example round of game
play according to the preferred embodiment.
[0040] FIGS. 7A-D are illustrations of cell matrices according to
alternative embodiments of the present invention;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0041] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the present invention where
the video game of chance is implemented in a system 100. The system
100 includes a client device 14 that is connected to a host server
10 via a network 12. A player uses the client device 14 to access
the game, which is hosted on the host server 10. The game is
implemented electronically by software that is installed on the
host server 10.
[0042] The host server 10 is preferably implemented by the use of
one or more general purpose computers, such as, for example, a Sun
Microsystems.TM. F15k server. The client device 14 is also
preferably implemented by the use of one or more general purpose
computers, such as, for example, a typical personal computer
manufactured by Dell.TM., Gateway.TM., or Hewlett-Packard.TM..
Those skilled in the art will understand that the client device may
be a game console, a portable gaming device, a laptop computer, a
personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a set top box, or
an interactive television.
[0043] Each of the host server 10 and the client device 14 may
include a microprocessor. The microprocessor can be any type of
processor, such as, for example, any type of general purpose
microprocessor or microcontroller, a digital signal processing
(DSP) processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC),
a programmable read-only memory (PROM), or any combination thereof.
The host server 10 may use its microprocessor to read a
computer-readable medium containing software that includes
instructions for carrying out one or more of the functions of the
host server 10, as further described below.
[0044] Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, each of the host server 10
and the client device 14 can also include computer memory, such as,
for example, random-access memory (RAM). However, the computer
memory of each of the host server 10 and the client device 14 can
be any type of computer memory or any other type of electronic
storage medium that is located either internally or externally to
the host server 10 or the client device 14, such as, for example,
read-only memory (ROM), compact disc read-only memory (CDROM),
electro-optical memory, magneto-optical memory, an erasable
programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically-erasable
programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or the like.
[0045] According to exemplary embodiments, the respective RAM can
contain, for example, the operating program for either the host
server 10 or the client device 14. As will be appreciated based on
the following description, the RAM can, for example, be programmed
using conventional techniques known to those having ordinary skill
in the art of computer programming. The actual source code or
object code for carrying out the steps of, for example, a computer
program can be stored in the RAM.
[0046] Each of the host server 10 and the client device 14 can also
include a database. The database can be any type of computer
database for storing, maintaining, and allowing access to
electronic information stored therein.
[0047] The host server 10 preferably resides on a network 12, such
as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or the
Internet. The client device 14 preferably is connected to the
network 12 on which the host server 10 resides, thus enabling
electronic communications between the host server 10 and the client
device 14 over a communications connection, whether locally or
remotely, such as, for example, an Ethernet connection, an RS-232
connection, or the like.
[0048] The client device 14 typically includes a monitor or other
display for displaying the actions and status of the video game.
The client device 14 may be configured to accept user inputs
provided via, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, and a joystick, or
touchscreen.
[0049] FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the present invention
where the video game of chance may be implemented on a standalone
gaming machine, such as a video slot machine 20. The slot machine
20 is housed in a cabinet 22. The slot machine includes a reference
plate 24 that identifies the type of game played on the slot
machine 20, a name plate 26, speakers 28, a bill acceptor 30, a
coin slot 32, a ticker slot 34 for coinless play, belly art plate
36, and a coin tray 38. The slot machine 20 also includes a video
display 40, game playing instructions plate 42, and game function
buttons 44.
[0050] Those skilled in the art will understand that the video game
of chance may be implemented on a wide variety of other standalone
gaming devices, such as game consoles, portable gaming devices,
personal computers, laptop computers, personal digital assistants
(PDAs), mobile phones, set top boxes, and interactive
televisions.
[0051] The method of conducting a video game of chance according to
a preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be
described with reference to FIGS. 1-5.
[0052] The display 40 of the video slot machine 20 or the display
of the client device 14 (depending of the embodiment of the
invention) is configured to display any suitable number of cells
preferably arranged in a N.times.M matrix, where N represents the
number of rows in the matrix and M represents the number of columns
in the matrix. The columns of cells in the matrix may be displayed
as reels in a virtual slot machine.
[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the game rules permit the player
to progress through five levels, where each level in the order is
made up of a matrix containing a progressively larger number of
cells. As shown in FIG. 3, the first level matrix 200 contains nine
cells arranged in a 3.times.3 matrix. The second level matrix 202
contains twelve cells arranged in a 3.times.4 matrix. The third
level matrix 204 contains fifteen cells arranged in a 3.times.5
matrix. The fourth level matrix 206 contains eighteen cells
arranged in a 3.times.6 matrix. The fifth and final level 208
contains 21 cells arranged in a 3.times.7 matrix. The purpose of
the levels and rules for progression will be described in detail
below.
[0054] During game play, each cell is preferably populated by a
symbol which may be randomly generated by video slot machine 20 or
by server 10. The various symbols 250 that may be generated in the
game are shown in FIG. 4.
[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 5, the method begins at step
300 where a wager made by the player is received by the video slot
machine 20 or by the server 10. Receipt of the wager commences the
first round of play on the first level matrix 200.
[0056] Referring to FIGS. 3-5, at step 302, preferably each cell in
the first level matrix 200 is populated by one of the symbols
250.
[0057] At decision diamond 304, the video slot machine 20 or server
10 determines whether a winning combination of cells is present in
the first level matrix 200. Preferably, the winning combination
requires three or more adjacent cells populated by an identical
symbol. The winning combination of cells may be oriented vertically
(i.e. along a column--also referred to as column-wise) or
horizontally (i.e. along a row--also referred to as row-wise). It
will be understood by those skilled in the art that any other
suitable winning combination (such as diagonally adjacent cells)
may be incorporated into the game to either replace or add to the
above winning combinations.
[0058] If a winning combination is present, the method proceeds to
step 308 where the video slot machine 20 provides a reward to the
player preferably in accordance with the table below. In the
embodiment of FIG. 1, the client device 14 displays the award to
the player, while the server credits the award to the player's
account or the like. Preferably, the award in either embodiment is
a monetary award equal to a multiple of the player's wager. The
multiple for each winning combination is set out in the table
below. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that any
other type of award may be provided, such as additional credits to
play the game.
TABLE-US-00001 Symbol Symbol name 7 of 6of 5 of 4 of 3 of Crown
1000 500 300 200 100 Sun 500 300 200 100 75 Star 250 150 100 75 50
Heart 150 100 75 50 20 Clover 100 75 50 20 10 Lips 75 50 25 10 3
.diamond-solid. Diamond 50 30 20 3 1 Fish 50 30 20 3 1 Bird 30 15 7
2 0.5 Umbrella 30 15 7 2 0.5 Prizes for level completion Level 1
Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 21 18 13 9 7
[0059] Some of the combinations shown in the above table cannot be
obtained on the first level matrix 200, and can only be attained is
subsequent levels. For example, seven stars may only be obtained in
the fifth level matrix 208.
[0060] Due to the increased payouts of combinations comprising
certain symbols (such as crowns), the random symbol generator
algorithm is preferably implemented in such a manner that the
symbols with the higher payouts occur less frequently than symbols
with lower payouts.
[0061] Referring again to FIG. 5, at step 310, the symbol in each
cell of the winning combination (referred to as a "winning cell")
is deleted leaving each winning cell empty.
[0062] At step 312, each winning cell is preferably marked in any
suitable way. For example, a gold border may be displayed along the
edges of each winning cell.
[0063] At decision diamond 314, the video slot machine 20 or server
10 determines whether all of the cells in the first level matrix
200 have been marked.
[0064] If all of the cells in the first level matrix 200 have not
been marked, the method proceeds to step 316. If one or more
non-winning cells are located in the same column above a winning
cell, the symbols located in the non-winning cells preferably drop
down in sequence to populate any winning cells below. New symbols
are then generated in any cells vacated by the dropping symbols. If
no non-winning cells are located in the same column above a winning
cell, then a new symbol is simply generated in the winning cell.
The method then returns to decision diamond 304. If there are
additional winning combinations, any previously unmarked winning
cells are marked.
[0065] If all of the cells in the first level matrix 200 have been
marked, the method proceeds to step 318, where the player receives
an award for completing the first level. The award is preferably a
multiple of the player's wager. The multiples for the level
completion awards for each level are set out in the above
table.
[0066] At step 320, the first level matrix 200 is deleted and
replaced with the second level matrix 202. The play then returns to
step 302. The play may proceed to the third, fourth, and fifth
level in the same manner.
[0067] If there are no wining combinations in the first level
matrix 200, the method proceeds to step 306 where the first round
of play ends. The player may begin another round of play by making
another wager. If any of the cells from winning combinations in
previous rounds have been marked, such cells may remain marked to
permit the player to continue playing in order to accumulate marked
cells and complete a particular level (such as the first level
matrix 200), when all cells in a particular level matrix are
marked.
[0068] To more clearly describe and illustrate the method of
conducting a video game of chance according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, an example is provided with
reference to FIGS. 6A-E. The example illustrated in FIGS. 6A-E
demonstrates one round of game play on the third level matrix
204.
[0069] FIG. 6A shows the symbols populating the second level matrix
202 after receipt of the wager. Two winning combinations are shown
in FIG. 6A. The first is a vertical winning combination 401 of
three fish symbols. The second is a horizontal winning combination
402 also of three fish symbols.
[0070] FIG. 6B shows that the cells containing the winning
combinations are marked and the symbols deleted from the winning
cells. FIG. 6B also shows the lips symbol 406 dropping downward to
fill the empty winning cell 408. In turn, the sun symbol 404 drops
into the cell previously occupied by the lips symbol 406. Likewise,
the clover symbol 410 and umbrella symbol 412 drop downward to fill
the empty winning cell 414.
[0071] FIG. 6C shows the position of the lips symbol 406 and
umbrella symbol 412 in the winning cells 408 and 414, respectively.
FIG. 6C also shows that the sun symbol 404 and the clover symbol
410 have shifted down by one row. A new diamond and umbrella symbol
have been generated in two uppermost cells 420. The foregoing
movement and generation of symbols creates a new winning
combination 422 of four suns in the middle row of the matrix.
[0072] Referring to FIG. 6D, the cells in the winning combination
422 are deleted and marked (with the exception of cell 424 which
was previously marked). FIG. 6D also shows symbols from a group of
cells 430 in the top row dropping down to fill the corresponding
empty cells of winning combination 422.
[0073] FIG. 6E shows that new symbols are generated in the group of
cells 430. No new winning combinations occur in the symbol
arrangement shown in FIG. 6E. Accordingly, the play round comes to
an end. Preferably, an additional wager is required to begin a
subsequent game round. If the player chooses to make a wager and
begin the subsequent game round, preferably all cells are
re-populated with new symbols, but previously marked cells remain
marked. The player continues on the same level matrix where the
previous game round ended.
[0074] Alternatively, the player may be given an option to begin a
completely new game (i.e. starting on the first level matrix 200
with no cells marked).
[0075] FIGS. 7A-D illustrate alternative embodiments of the present
invention. In particular, FIGS. 7A-D show various non-rectangular
cell matrices.
[0076] Referring to FIG. 7A, a matrix may be provided with a
non-contiguous top row 500 and bottom row 502. In this embodiment,
row-wise winning combinations cannot be achieved in the top and
bottom rows 500, 502. Otherwise, game play proceeds in the same
manner as the preferred embodiment.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 7B, a matrix may be provided with
non-contiguous columns 504, 506. In this embodiment, column-wise
winning combinations cannot be achieved in columns 504, 506. In
addition, if any cells in columns 504, 506 are winning cells (due
to such cells being part of a row-wise winning combination),
symbols from above do not drop into such cells to repopulate them.
New symbols are simply generated in such cells.
[0078] The matrix shown in FIG. 7C includes non-contiguous rows and
columns. It combines the features of the matrices of FIGS. 7A and
7B described above. Accordingly, it will not be further
described.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 7D, a matrix may be provided which, in
addition to non-contiguous rows and columns, includes one or more
"blocked cells" 508. As used herein, the term "blocked cells" means
cells which are blocked from being populated by game symbols.
Blocked cells affect game play by creating non-contiguous rows and
columns in those rows and columns where such blocked cells are
located. Accordingly, winning combinations may only be achieved in
contiguous cells (i.e. those not broken up by a blocked cell).
Repopulation is also affected (i.e. symbols can drop down in
sequence to fill a vacant winning cell only in a contiguous
column).
[0080] While the present invention as herein shown and described in
detail is fully capable of attaining the above-described objects of
the invention, it is to be understood that it is the presently
preferred embodiment of the present invention and thus, is
representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated
by the present invention, that the scope of the present invention
fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to
those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present
invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the
appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular
is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly so
stated, but rather "one or more." All structural and functional
equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred
embodiment that are known or later come to be known to those of
ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by
reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims.
Moreover, it is not necessary for a device or method to address
each and every problem sought to be solved by the present
invention, for it is to be encompassed by the present claims.
* * * * *